Sulfoximine derivatives — their pharmacochemical properties, synthesis, and potential in drug discovery

Michalina Skóra; Michał Nowacki; Maciej Dawidowski

doi:10.56782/pps.626

Published : 2025-08-08

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026)

Sulfoximine derivatives — their pharmacochemical properties, synthesis, and potential in drug discovery

Michalina Skóra

Michał Nowacki

Maciej Dawidowski

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.626

Abstract

Currently, pharmaceutical chemists are focusing on investigating an increasingly wide range of compounds as potential new drugs, including substances of natural origin and those obtained by chemical synthesis. Due to the advancements in experimental techniques, modern science possesses numerous tools for discovering new types of biologically active molecules. For example, the development of chemical synthesis methods has created the possibility to reach completely new arrays of compounds, as potential candidates for some new drugs. In this context, sulfoximines have quite recently emerged as a promising and versatile class of organosulfur compounds with interesting pharmacological properties. In this article, we present an overview of the key features of the sulfoximine functional group, including its unique pharmacochemical profile, that may elevate its potential in medicinal chemistry. We also briefly discuss examples of synthetic approaches to obtain new derivatives containing this functional group, with particular attention to both classical and modern synthetic protocols. Finally, selected examples of biologically active sulfoximines developed by various research groups are highlighted, demonstrating their potential applications in drug discovery.

Keywords:

sulfoximine derivatives, new drug candidates, chemical space, drug discovery, organosulfur compounds

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Skóra, M., Nowacki, M., & Dawidowski, M. (2025). Sulfoximine derivatives — their pharmacochemical properties, synthesis, and potential in drug discovery. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(2), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.626

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Michalina Skóra

michalina.skora@wum.edu.pl

Affiliation:

Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

inż. Michalina Skóra, „Synthesis” Student Scientific Association of the Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.

Michał Nowacki

michal.nowacki@wum.edu.pl

Affiliation:

Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

dr. inż. Michał Nowacki, Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

Maciej Dawidowski

maciej.dawidowski@wum.edu.pl

Affiliation:

Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Prof. dr. hab. Maciej Dawidowski, Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland